“It’s a huge season with a few surprises along the way.”

It’s a reality TV format that has endured for almost two decades – farmers living in remote locations search for ladies to become their wives; ladies don boots and Akubra hats to win said farmers’ hearts. There’s no doubt Farmer Wants a Wife works, with the statistics speaking for themselves – 11 marriages, seven long-term relationships and 27 children since 2007.

And it sounds like we can expect those numbers to rise, according to original host Natalie Gruzlewski, who is fronting the show once more for its 15th season after taking a back seat to Samantha Armytage in recent years. Here, she previews what to expect…
(Credit: Supplied)
You’re back in the driver’s seat this season! Has much changed?

Oh, gosh. Good question. I love coming back to Farmer every year. Season 15 is really exciting with our four brand new farmers looking for love. It’s a huge season with a few surprises along the way.

Can you give us a hint as to what those surprises are?

I feel like every season we have surprises, but this season we can expect … hmm, I don’t want to give too much away. I can say all of our farmers find love. You’ll have to wait and see which lucky ladies they choose. There are more dates in more spectacular locations. There’s a ton more travel this year with new events. We covered a lot of miles this year.
Gruzlewski with Tom, Corey, Thomas and Jarrad. (Credit: Supplied)
The show has such a good success rate. Why do you think that is?

I think it’s the real deal. It has a whole lot of heart. The farmers have the opportunity to decide who they want to meet from the outset. I think that does contribute to how many happily ever afters there have been.

How did the hosting gig come your way all those years ago?

I was working on Getaway at the time, travelling the world. The opportunity presented itself and I was really fortunate to sign up for the show way back in 2007. It’s such a feel-good, positive show to be involved in. I love to meet our lovely, hardworking farmers.

There’s a bit of excitement around country towns when the show returns…

The farming community’s really embraced the show. We do find it a challenge to find farmers each year for the show and they’re often dobbed in by their mums, their sisters or their friends. The great thing is we travel to these beautiful parts of the country.
(Credit: Seven)
Do you have a favourite all-time couple?

One of my favourite moments of all time would be the proposal of Season 5 with Nathan and Amanda [McClymont]. But there are loads of moments along the way, including behind-the-scenes moments. I don’t have a favourite couple but I do enjoy being invited to some of the Farmer weddings.

Do you have advice for anyone wanting to give the show a go, whether that’s as a farmer or a prospective partner?

For women who are thinking of making the move to the country, I think these days there’s a great opportunity to embrace farm life while keeping aspects of city life. It would be a big adjustment, but remember the farmers aren’t looking for
a farmhand, though it would be handy!